Rutland County Council will introduce two hours free parking in council-run public car parks, to support local shops and businesses in the run-up to Christmas, if our local COVID Tier Level allows this.

The two-hour window for free parking would apply to council-run public car parks in Uppingham and Oakham that normally offer pay-and-display parking.

The free parking offer will be available from Tuesday 1 December until Thursday 31 December.

All on-street parking restrictions and resident parking permit schemes would remain unchanged.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways said: "Businesses have really struggled this year because of the impact of COVID-19.

"Come the end of lockdown and subject to any further restrictions that may be announced by the government, we hope to offer two hours free parking in council-run public car parks.

"This would be to support shops and local retailers in both our market towns as they get ready for what we hope will be a great Christmas – albeit a very different one."